Could tomorrow's leaders be coached by robots?

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Dive Brief:

Chief Learning Officer reports that Butterfly.ai, has created a self-learning robot named Felix that can effectively coach young managers on various leadership and soft skills. The robot also provides feedback as needed.

David Mendlewicz, CEO and co-founder of Butterfly.ai, says this addresses a real need for on-demand training and coaching that managers need, as they don't have time to sit through in a traditional classroom setting. He says this technology can dramatically improve work force training.

The program also helps identify top performers and notifies HR if participants need extra support to perform their role. Data is gathered and can be used for future development programs to improve leadership training.

Dive Insight:

Artificial intelligence tools are popping in in various areas of employment and have found a particular niche in mini check-ins easily accessible FAQ-style content. While it may be difficult to imagine AI facilitating coaching sessions for leaders, the data processing ability of the tech has improved markedly in recent years.

Allowing frequent employee feedback on current programs is a key way to improve any training's results. But recent developments have thrown into question where the line may be for AI intervention as the technology improves. At what point can AI take over for solid training conducted by seasoned human mentors? While the data management and good UI of new tech goes a long way, few tech platforms can substitute old-fashioned human experience and the creation of a community of support around new managers.

AI — like any technology — has its place in on-demand learning portals, but in the every day world of business, learning by the example of other managers has it's merits. More learning leaders are opting for learning programs with a social learning aspect, as learning together seems to have long term benefits for employees on the job.